*Official* Ask A Detailer Thread

Damn. Thanks man. Haha. U know your stuff. Yeah I'm gonna be using a flex3401. I heard about those microfiber cutting pads. I would love to use em. I don't have an air compressor though. Would a brush work to clean out the excess residue? Heard they may have more corrective power than the LC white pad I planned on using too.

 

The MF pads have more cut than a white CCS pad. You can take out a surprising amount of defects with them considering how nice they leave the finish.

I've used a toothbrush to clean them on the fly in a pinch . The thing is that you are removing a certain amount of junk and old contaminants from the paint by polishing it. That junk and abraded clear coat just sits on the pad. Rubbing that stuff back into the paint isn't ideal for making a smooth glossy surface. The brush will knock some of that stuff off, and push some down into the fibers where it won't touch the paint. But compressed air will blow it right out of the pad, you can see all the junk go flying when you hit it with the air. It cuts better and is easier to get a nice glossy surface if you can keep the pad sprayed out that way.

 

Thank you 95SLE and Coast2Coast, I will take the wheels off clean and coat them.

 

I see. May have to borrow one from a friend. Would u suggest a microfiber pad and megs m205 as a one step polish over the white pad? Or would the microfiber pad still leave marring/swirls and require another polish step after it? Thanks man. Learning a lot. Are u a pro detailer. Sound like one. Haha

 

A microfiber finishing pad and m205 will finish down very well but will not remove deeper defects. If all you have are lighter swirls this would be a good combination.

 

Thanks bro. Yeah man I don't really have deep scratches YET. Mainly just light swirls and water spots. I always do a two bucket wash to keep my swirls to a minimum. The water spots came from the dealership. Looks like it was sitting out in the rain or something even though I got it two weeks after it came off of the ship. Didn't notice it until I took it home. Was too excited. Haha.

 

Another polishing question.

Own a cyclo polisher and it has been great for the past 12 years. Until now, I have always used foam pads. Debating on taking the plunge and purchasing a set of microfiber pads for when I polish (next weekend). After my research, I understand that the microfiber pads cut better, but having a hard time understanding. Can you polish too much where the "cutting" can actually affect the paint, both surface and below with a microfiber pad? Sorry for the dumb question, but don't want to get ahead of myself.


Also, how do you actually determine if the foam is better than microfiber doing a test spot? Any actual videos online that can show someone how to determine it?

 

Any opinions on the HF dual action polisher? I've heard reviews go both ways and not sure if it's been discussed here. Search function is a no go on the mobile so sorry if this has been beaten to death somewhere already. I don't plan on doing to much detailing - mostly for wax/polish application and removal. I have some hand issues that make things difficult so I was thinking of going motorized.

 

Not sure how much the DA is but do yourself a favor and buy a porter cable. At least you will have a solid piece of equipment.

The HF looks like a cheap knock off porter cable.

 

The HF DA polisher beats out most DAs now on the market. Get a good backing plate and go to town. Lots of professional detailers use them for smaller areas that their bigger ones can't reach.

 

I've used both. Both have their time to shine. I use a MF pad when I need to do a heavier cutting pass. I detail on the side so time is money. MF pads definitely have more of a bite, if you're using a DA you'll still be fine and won't damage the paint as long as you're using it logically. I like using MF pad first with a heavier cut polish then coming back with as foam pad and a finishing polish.

Before

 

Thanks for the reply. You have definitely clarified my questions. I have mf pads for the two stage polish I use, but I am only going to use the mf pad on the paint correcting polish and will switch to the foam pad for the paint finishing polish. Thanks again.

 

From what I'm reading you use Adams? Just so you know, Adams is the only product I know that hazes with the PCP and MF pad. So you're kind of forced to finish with the FP. Although I have found that PCP finishes down so good on its on you rarely need the finishing polish. When you're polishing try the MF pad and PCP then use a foam one after it with PCP. You'll see just how nice it finishes on it own.

 

A clean upholstery brush and simply brushing your seats off will remove a lot of dust and dirt. This dust and dirt left in the seat is what can cause staining when water or any cleaning product touches it. causes mud. Don't believe me go brush your seat and see all the funk that comes off!

I like the Carbrite line of products

 

You are correct on using Adams. This is the first time I am using the polish though. I use the wax and love the results so I thought I would give it a try. Thanks for the heads up about the hazing with the polish. Hopefully I have great results!

 

I use Adam's as well and it works great. You won't have any trouble.

 

as an ex adams fanboy and an insider most of their products are great but can be found elsewhere for pennies on the dollar.

 

I agree that Adams is an expensive product. I try to buy as many of the products in a group or with a discount code as shipping is pretty ridiculous. I have better luck with other products (interior cleaner, wheel cleaner), but I really enjoy the VRT.

Have you tried any of Chemical Guys products? They have an impressive website but it seems they have multiple products for the same use?

 

ive done testing between the two for their comparable products.

Mr Prink is the same as Adams Car Shampoo
Speed Wipe is Detail Spray
VRP is VRT (i use Natural Shine)
Glass cleaner is similar too

CG also has an aerosol can spray for plastics like adams.

VRP is $22 for a gallon instead of Adams $99

 

I have a spot of grease on my rear seat fabric, how do I get this shit out!!!!